Rescued Abusive Dogs help

[capncrazy68]

I don't know much details other than they were abused, Lady female Lab/Chow mix, and Cindy female Retriever/Lab mix. I got them from a guy who rescued them from death at the shelters. They do not know anything aside from being house broken, which are excellent at that. Neither are aggresive. Lady seems to be adjusting great, and has made a home on my bed with me, and is pretty affectionate, seems happy. Cindy on the other hand, shows signs of fear. She's jumpy at times, often backs away a little bit, and refuses to get on the bed when called up there. She actually doesn't come up to me often, but is definately showing progress on a daily basis. So with this in mind, I have a few problems training them, and just want some ideas if there is something I could be doing more.

1. They both insist on attacking my 200 gallon freshwater fish tank. It's made of acrylic and they have already scratched the heck out of it, despite me putting chairs and obstacles around the tank. They usually do it in the middle of the night, when they know I'm sleeping, and it wakes me up. By then the damage is done, but I shout "No" to them and make them lay down. This is the main one, and I just wonder if there may be something I could do more to train them a little quicker. My last dog, Miller that past recently did not do this but a few times, and only had her paws on the cabinet so it wasn't an issue.

2. The doggy door. Like Miller, Lady got this in a few days. But Cindy, the one with the fear issues is just not getting it. She managed to go through it a few times on the heels of Lady, but just refuses to go on her own or first. I've tried the same methods, using treats and even holding the flap up. Just won't go. I tried leaving her outside with the flap on and she just never came in. So I had to take the flap off, and she goes through fine. Should I leave the flap off for a while and let her get used to that part, and then try again later? Or maybe just keep working at it?

3. Dog walks are going pretty good, and that will take some time. But I'd really love to play ball with these girls. That is another issue, because I was told they were beat when they picked things up. So they won't touch the ball (tennis ball). I try every now and then, and play with it in the yard so they can see me and I toss it to them once in a while. The other thing I am doing is leaving the ball on Cindy's bed, hoping she'd get the idea that it's hers. Just wondering if you have any suggestions on this one. Like using something else or any ideas you might have to speed things up.

It's been so long since I trained a dog, in fact many things my Miller learned.. I didn't have to do much, she just picked it up in time. I know it takes patience and alot of work, so I just want to make sure I'm on the right track. Thanks for your advice,

Jim

[jenwski93]

I don't have a good answer on your first problems, but with the ball, my rescue dog was also terrified of his toys at first. I kept a variety (I had a lab prior that loved his ball, so I know how frustrating it can be when they don't want to play!) of toys including stuffed toys, ropes, and a ball. I just tried to get his attention with all of the items and try to play with him, and as he warmed up to me, he started playing with the toys more. I tried throwing one of his toys down the hallway at home at lunch before I took him out, and I Think he was so excited to see me and had a lot of energy before our walk, so he bolted after it and brought it back. I don't know if it took him relaxing more, or my acting excited about the toys every time I touched them, but he will now play with his ball as well as his other toys all the time - even when I don't throw them. I would say stick with it and try to make it a really fun time. Good luck!

[Deuce]

Dealing with dogs that have a troubled past can be tough, but it is possible to get them back on track. Kudos to you for taking on the challenge.

For problem number one, I think I would try to hide the fish inside the tank. It is a good idea to prevent the dogs from having access (via crates, baby gates, closed doors), but if that isn't working, take a look at what they are interested in. It's the moving fish! A drape that blocks the visual movement might make the tank as interesting as a lampstand.

For the problem with the ball, I suggest trying a different type of ball. Deuce came to us at one year old and had spent some long, boring hours in his prior owner's basement with a plastic sandwich toy. Boy he really hated that thing. When he was offered plush toys he was a happy pup, but he didn't want to play with his sandwich. If it happened to be on top of other toys, he'd move it and go to the ones he liked. He did a HAPPY dance when he saw us throw the plastic one in the garbage. The point being - if the toy can be different enough then the old association may be broken.

If not, then you can try different varieties (and forget the ball). If those don't work, I'd let it go for a while. Some dogs don't like toys that much and there may be strong negative associations.

You could try - might not work but what the heck - one of those treat filled balls that drops treats when rolled. Leave it out when you are far away and maybe the dogs will play with it in your absence. Might be the first step on the journey to full playtime activity.

For the doggie door, I'd leave it with the cover. You've got one dog braving it and going outside is a reward. I would let the dog work this one out on her own.

Keep up the good work.